Prevail Emergency Assistance

Client Counseling to develop a plan of action to resolve the crisis situation.

Shelter Diversion services include assessment and linkage to resources as alternatives to the emergency shelter.

Basic Budgeting sessions to educate clients on how to create a plan focused on financial stability.

AfterCare for Housing Forward graduates to improve housing retention and prevent their return to homelessness.

Monday, Thursday and Friday 9am-3pm

Tuesday 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm

Wednesday 9am-1pm

Additional hours by appointment.

Our Emergency Assistance program provides referrals and emergency financial assistance for food, housing, utilities and transportation to individuals and families at urgent risk. Our goal is to address the immediate crisis so the individual or family can work on additional steps on the path toward stability. The Prevail program's staff and volunteers listen to each person’s individual situation and, working together with the client, use solutions-based counseling to develop a plan of action. Plans developed with our clients include services and referrals such as:

Eviction and utility shut-off assistance counseling and referrals

Public transportation passes for job interviews and medical appointments

Assistance obtaining identification required for a job or to receive benefits

Overnight shelter and transitional housing referrals

Basic necessity clothing and interview clothing referrals

Meal program and food pantry referrals

Medical, dental, optical and prescription service referrals

Eligibility

If you live in suburban Cook County and are at risk of becoming homeless, call the Prevention Call Center at 877-4-COOK-15. If you live in Chicago, call the city help line at 311.

Documentation requirements for the Emergency Assistance program:

You will need to provide identification. If you do not have current identification, our volunteers will help you acquire identification necessary to obtain benefits and employment. Please bring anything that might qualify as proof of identification including social security cards, birth certificates, school records, medical records, prison release documents or other types of official communication such as a benefits award letter or utility bill or lease.

Certain types of assistance will require proof of income such as pay stubs, social security or link card awards or unemployment benefits.

You will also need to provide documentation regarding your financial issue, such as a 5-day notice and copy of your lease, a utility shut off notice and bill with past due amounts or appointment slips for medical visits or job interviews.